- Defenseman Jake Sanderson scores series-extending goal at 17:42 OT
- Senators survive 4-minute overtime penalty kill against Toronto's power play
- Ottawa wins first playoff game since 2017 Eastern Conference Final
- Only 4 NHL teams have overcome 3-0 series deficits historically
The Canadian Tire Centre erupted in deafening cheers as Jake Sanderson's 57-foot wrist shot found its mark through traffic, extending Ottawa's playoff hopes and delaying Toronto's advancement. This crucial victory marks the Senators' first postseason win in seven years, snapping an 11-game playoff losing streak dating back to their 2017 conference final run.
Special teams proved decisive in the marathon contest, particularly during a tense overtime period where Ottawa successfully killed a double-minor penalty. Coach Travis Green praised his squad's resilience: Facing Toronto's power play unit with season-ending stakes required extraordinary discipline. Our penalty killers wrote tonight's defining chapter.
Toronto's Oliver Ekman-Larsson forced overtime with a third-period equalizer, continuing the pattern of late-game heroics that's characterized this Original Six matchup. The Maple Leafs now return home needing one victory to advance, while Ottawa seeks to join the 2014 Los Angeles Kings as the fifth team in NHL history to reverse a 3-0 series deficit.
Strategic adjustments influenced the outcome as Ottawa capitalized on defensive contributions. Sanderson became the first Senators blueliner to score an overtime playoff goal since 2007, while Linus Ullmark's 31 saves provided crucial stability. Industry analysts note increasing reliance on defensemen in scoring roles, with playoff blueliners contributing 23% more goals this postseason compared to 2023.
Regional hockey historians highlight parallels to the 2003 First Round when Ottawa last defeated Toronto in postseason play. With Game 5 shifting to Scotiabank Arena, ticket resale prices have surged 142% as fans anticipate potential series history. The Senators' victory preserves Canada's hope for prolonged playoff participation, avoiding what would have been the first all-American second round since 1996.